Lykke Li – This Powerful Woman Rocks

It’s been clear for a long time that whether you spell it Girls, Grrls, or just Women, female performers can make the best rock and roll. Just look at some of my older favorites, like Patti Smith, Exene, Chrissie Hynde, Courtney Love and there can be no doubt (oh yeah, and No Doubt too).

One of the greatest sources of rock and roll inspiration has been teenage angst – actually angst of all sorts. Growing up, break-ups, pain, loss, and hurt can ironically produce some of the greatest rock and roll. In my opinion, some of the best music is about transformation resulting from trying times. When I hear a person changing it reminds me of how important it is to deal with life and change. Well there is no doubt that female angst works just as well as anything. Sometimes the words may be aimed at other women, but I find I can appreciate the emotions just as well. I’ve seen criticism of “sad girl” musicians – but I love them.

I saw Lykke Li live (I took the picture above). I was expecting something more downbeat, but she brought the house down with genuine rock and roll. Nothing sad about her performance – she definitely rocked the Radio City audience.

In this playlist:

Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone – Certainly from the sad side. If you can’t feel this, better have yourself checked.

Get Some – Rock and Roll with more to it than meets the eye

Youth Knows No Pain – Great rock song and if you watch the YouTube version (the song starts about 45 seconds in) you get to see her energy as a performer.

Heaven – This is from her new project “Liv” which includes members from Peter Bjorn and John and Miike Snow – album coming soon